London is home to a wide variety of wedding venues that are as unique as the couples that exchange their vows there.

The London Eye

Couples can choose to enjoy their special day on the London Eye, in a private capsule that has been decorated with beautiful flowers. The ceremony can even be timed so that couples can exchange their wedding vows atop of the wheel, surrounded by stunning scenery.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens provides a picture-perfect natural setting in which couples can select from a variety of memorable civil ceremony and reception venues, including the Prince of Wales Conservatory.

HMS Belfast

Couples can sail into wedded bliss on the HMS Belfast. Surrounded by the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast is a wedding photographer’s dream venue.

Dulwich Picture Gallery

Nestled in a pretty village, the Dulwich Picture Gallery is a wonderful setting for weddings. With artwork from the likes of Rembrandt and Rubens adorning the walls and surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, this venue is the ideal destination in which art enthusiasts can get married.

Ealing Town Hall

Constructed in the 1800s to honour Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, the stunning Grade II-listed Ealing Town Hall’s function rooms, which are complete with their traditional features, add a sense of occasion to the wedding ceremonies hosted here. Couples can celebrate their big day either in the modern Princes Hall or the ancient Victoria Hall.

London Zoo

London Zoo is a distinctive venue for fans of wildlife to tie the knot. The Grade II-listed Mappin Pavilion is nestled next to Bear Mountain and it is here that wedding ceremonies can be held. Couples who choose to celebrate their marriage here will be contributing to the preservation of the animals that live here.

The Science Museum

For aspiring scientists, the Science Museum is the ideal venue in which to get hitched. Civil weddings can be held in the Director’s Suite while the broad range of modern and traditional galleries can host receptions able to captivate even the most discerning of guests.

Written by Rob from RH Live – who’s London wedding band have played at many of the top wedding venues across London.

IBM @ CeBIT 2010, Hanover, Germany (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trade shows and exhibitions form an integral part of any business’s calendar. They provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to network with other companies, promote their brand or highlight a new product.

Below are 5 tips for the design of a successful exhibition stand;

What is your objective?

The most successful exhibition stands have a clear purpose. If your business is launching a new product then ensure that said product has priority over everything else. Effective use of pop up stands and other types of point of sale displays will ensure that prospective customers know immediately what you are presenting.

Traffic

The best exhibition stands allow a steady flow of people to walk through without causing huge traffic jams. It is important that you design a stand where people can move about freely without having to dodge equipment or furniture. Moreover, don’t presume that bigger is better. Not only are bigger stands harder to maintain but they also look noticeably empty if occupied by only a small scattering of people.

Lighting

It is crucial that designers find the right balance of lighting in order to provide a good working condition and to complement a stand’s display. Too much light can cause excessive heat which not only makes it difficult to work in but can make it extremely uncomfortable for visitors. On the other hand, not enough light can reduce the impact of visuals and make your stand look dull and uninspired.

Text

Text should always be used sparsely. Visitors get bored of reading large passages of text and any significant information should be put into leaflets or brochures to be read at a later time. If text is necessary, make sure that you use punchy and descriptive words and at a readable size.

Colour

Exhibitors should use an appropriate colour scheme to liven up their stand. Try to avoid colours that are either too dark or too light as this will make your exhibition look flat. A good way of evaluating the right mixture of colours is to visit other exhibitions and then translate appropriate colour schemes to your own corporate identity.

For more advice on designing exhibition stands visit Just Displays who wrote this post for Blog About It

Headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is the fourth-largest Japanese vehicle manufacturer in the world, based on the total global production of automobiles in 2011. Although Mitsubishi Motors’ strongest presence is currently in Japan and in most parts of the Asian region, it has also made a venerable mark in many countries in the Western hemisphere, with much of it attributed to the 5 most popular Mitsubishi cars below:

1. Lancer Evolution – Mainly referred to as the Evo in automobile vernacular, the Lancer Evolution, hailed as the best ever sedan from Mitsubishi, is basically a high-performance variant of the Lancer. With its characteristic 2-liter turbocharged engine, advanced 4WD systems, 18-inch sports alloy wheels, and rear spoilers, the Evo has come a long way since its debut way back in 1992 as the Lancer Evolution I.

To date, there are officially 10 generations of the Evo, the latest of which is the Evo X, an ultra-high performance driving machine, powered by a 4B11 2-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine with an output power of 300 Hp and 400 Nm of torque. Launched in the later part of 2007, the Evo X is featured with exotic leather upholstery and a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission, a Mitsubishi-trademarked revolutionary transmission system capable of delivering lightning-quick gear shifts.

Furthermore, the Evo series became more prominent the world over when the Evo VII got a high-profile role in the box office film, 2 Fast 2 Furious, as the primary ride of the film’s main character, Brian O’Conner, portrayed by the famous actor, Paul Walker.

2. Eclipse – A sports coupe with a muscular and exotic ergonomics, the Eclipse features the state-of-the art Sportronic transmission system mated to a 3.8-liter V6 263 Hp 4-cylinder MIVEC engine. Just like the Evo, the Eclipse is among the Mitsubishi cars that gained worldwide prominence when it appeared in a conspicuous role in the original Fast and the Furious film. Furthermore, its convertible variant, the Eclipse GT Spyder, also appeared in a major role in the film’s sequel, 2 Fast 2 Furious, as the sporty purple ride of the actor Tyrese Gibson, the film’s supporting act.

3. Pajero – Known as the Montero in North America, and as the Shogun in the United Kingdom, the Pajero is Mitsubishi Motors’ most successful SUV. It gained multiple accolades after winning a total of seven out of the latest ten races in its classification at the annual Dakar Rally, the world’s toughest off-road race that stretches 8,000 kilometers.

Spanning four generations since its unveiling in 1985, the latest Pajero now features a V6 3.8-liter gasoline engine producing 247 Hp and 329 Nm of torque.

4. Outlander – Also known as the Airtrek in some countries, the Outlander is Mitsubishi’s 4WD crossover that offers high levels of driving pleasure off and on the road. With its 2.4-liter MIVEC engine mated to a third-generation INVECS continuously variable transmission system, the Outlander is a fierce competitor in the mid-size family SUV market worldwide. Moreover, the Outlander is a showcase of Mitsubishi Motors’ patented Reinforced Impact Safety Revolution, a rigid body manufacturing system that greatly enhances passenger safety.

5. Lancer – A compact yet sporty family sedan with great handling and riding comfort, the Lancer has made itself well-known in many parts of the globe with its roomy interior, aside from being the platform of the Lancer Evolution series.

The latest generation Lancer was unveiled in Taiwan in September 2007. Powered by a 4B11 2-liter 157 Hp 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed CVT transmission, the Lancer has come a long way in terms of its power train advancements. Having sold over seven million Lancers from 1973 up to this day, Mitsubishi has definitely captured a big number of audience in the compact sedan segment.

A commonly perceived notion among many small business owners is that you have to be a rocket scientist to understand bookkeeping and accounting. It is important to debunk the notion and set the records straight. Small business accounting need not be a challenge, if you are willing to take simple but important steps to keep your books in order. Applying basic accounting tips for small businesses can help ensure your business runs smoothly and is profitable.

Employ a bookkeeper

Letting money take care of itself is recipe for trouble. Hire a bookkeeper to keep accurate and up to date business records of money. A bookkeeper will also handle important accounting matters, such as payment of bills, invoicing, chasing debts and submitting tax forms.

Buy accounting software

There has been debate on whether to use software or paper accounting systems. Advances in technology, however, have ensured software wins the debate every time. Buy off-the-shelf accounting software like Quicken or MYOB to improve efficiency and simplify the accounting process.

Understand your tax obligations

Small businesses are required to pay tax. Understand what your tax obligations are and how best to meet the obligations. Because this can be a complicated area, hire an accountant to help with your Business Activity Statements and advice on complex matters, such as tax minimisation, depreciation, deductions and reporting procedures.

Prepare a budget

View a budget as a blueprint for your money. Budgets help track business income, expenses and areas where cash flow needs improvement. Prepare a monthly budget or a budget for a year ahead to forecast business activities and compare actual performance with projections.

Keep it simple

Importantly, keep it simple. The less complicated your accounting system is, the better it is for your business. Consult small business accounting experts on the best way to tailor accounting systems for your business.

For bookeeping and small business advice see Time accountants Brighton.

Reykjavik harbour

There are many cities in Europe that can provide a relaxing, fun and interesting holiday or short break. One of the most overlooked cities in Europe is Reykjavik. The capital city of Iceland has much to offer for all types of travellers and can give you a unique holidaying experience.

How to get there

In recent years it has become much easier to get to Iceland. It is as accessible as any of the major cities in the rest of Europe with a flying time from London of only three hours. The country has its own airline that flies to a number of UK airports and from March 2012 Easyjet will be operating flights to Reykjavik from Luton airport.

Where to stay

Reykjavik has a varied selection of accommodation available for holiday makers. There are many hotels, apartments and guest houses in the city, catering to travellers on all budgets. Those looking to travel on a budget could stay at one of the hostels or camp sites in and around the city.

Food and drink

There is great variety to the food and drink that is available in Iceland. The food takes its influence from Europe and the rest of the world and you can find almost any cuisine you desire within the capital. If you are looking for an authentic experience there are plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and bars that serve traditional Icelandic fare.

Things to do and see

Reykjavik has the perfect blend of nature, sightseeing, shopping, culture and night life. Places of interest to visit include Reykjavik City Hall and the Hallgrimskirkja Church. For the adventurous traveller there are many outdoor activities including skiing, skating and fishing. For a truly memorable experience you could go on a whale watching trip.

When it comes to choosing a tea kettle, there is no shortage of types and styles. Whether you are just looking for a decorative piece to display on your stove or counter, or you need something functional for brewing tea, you will be sure to find the perfect one that will meet your specific needs. Tea kettles are available in different sizes, shapes, colors and materials and range in capacity from small to extra large.

Stove Top (Traditional)

Stove top kettles are available in many different colors and styles to match any home décor. They are most often made from metal – such as copper, cast iron, stainless steel and aluminum. There are glass kettles available as well. Stove top kettles come with a whistler, either mounted onto the spout or detachable. They include a lid and a sturdy handle as well. When the water inside the pot begins to boil, it creates steam which causes the pot to whistle. This signifies that the water is ready for use. Different kettles make different whistling sounds.

Electric kettles

Electric kettles offer more features than traditional or stove top versions. They most often come with a built-in whistle to let you know when the water is ready for use. Many of them offer various heat settings, water level indicators, as well as an automatic safety shut-off in case the pot boils dry. They are available with or without a cord. The cordless versions come with a power base that includes either a concealed or a non-concealed element.

Cordless versions are more convenient to use than corded ones because the pot is not restricted by the cord length and can easily be moved around. Electric versions typically boil water faster than stove top versions. They are most often made from metal, but are also available in glass.

This was a guest post by John for Russell Hobbs who offer a wide range of kettles in all shapes and sizes

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When checking out this year’s hottest Brit music events, one can’t ignore Virgin Music’s annual extravaganza, the V Festival. Held 20-21 August in South Staffordshire and Chelmsford, the multi-venue show boasts a truly impressive variety of acts. Past invitees over the festival’s history include: Blur, Coldplay, Muse, Radiohead, Morrissey, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and even the late great James Brown.

This year’s edition is taking the V Festival’s growing tradition of variety to new heights. Along with some of the typical homegrown UK stars (such as Glasvegas, KT Tunstall, Mark Ronson, and the fantastic Manic Street Preachers), you will also find some surprises among the performers. For example, Bruno Mars and Ziggy Marley will be on one stage in one venue, while Good Charlotte and Detroit-based rap group D12 are on another.

Of course, no major music festival would be complete without headliners, and V doesn’t disappoint. On Saturday, at the Weston Park (Staffordshire) venue, Rihanna and Eminem share the stage with the aforementioned Manics. At the Hylands Park (Chelmsford) venue, Arctic Monkeys, Plan B, and Kaiser Chiefs form a raucous treble. All acts swap venues for Sunday.

In all, there are four separate stages at each venue, each with its own musical flavour. This tallies up to more great music than one can possibly see in one night. But don’t worry — if you miss your favourite artist on Saturday, they’ll be playing again at the opposite venue on Sunday. Good luck deciding which times to visit each stage!

Search for V Festival tickets here

You’ve finally landed that job interview for which you are perfect; however, before scheduling that trip to the Bahamas, you need to be prepared. There are obvious interview tips, such as dressing appropriately, showing up 15 minutes prior to the meeting and remembering to send a follow-up note, but what you actually say when facing them is what will ultimately lock it the votes.

Research, Research, Research

They will likely ask you what you know about the company, so do your due diligence. Visit their website to learn about their CEO and department heads. Know their history, divisions and locations. Learning their mission statement, if applicable, is also a nice touch. It is typically available in their “About Us” category.

Remain Calm

Once seated, take this time to compose yourself and control your breathing. If he is perusing your resume, wait for him to speak first. Try not to rush to respond; frame your answers so that they fully, succinctly get to the point. It’s perfectly acceptable to take a beat before responding. This shows self-assurance and control.

Behaviour Technique

“What would you do” based questions are now commonplace. The interviewer provides a hypothetical situation, and the candidate tells them how he would handle it. Asking for specific examples of how you previously diffused issues is another variance of the same question. This tells them if your background makes you a valuable player. Offer a couple of “hero” examples, but never act as if you were expecting the question.

Be Curious

Compiling a list of questions of your own is another excellent interview tip. Once the job interview is winding down, ask if he has a moment to answer a few questions. This shows interest and signifies that you want to learn all you can. It also tells you if this company is truly the best fit for you.

When traveling it is important to consider using a travel insurance policy because there are many different things that can happen to you when you are gone. For people who are taking expensive electronic devices such as cameras or computers having property coverage is great to have if the property gets damaged, lost, or stolen. This can even happen with your luggage and although your clothes may not cost a lot of money you are going to need to replace them so that you can dress yourself on the trip. The luggage itself may also be expensive in cost. You also want to be aware of the policies of the hotels you stay in, since they may require you to have insurance. There are also many different types of medical emergencies that can happen when you are traveling, and your personal insurance may not cover out of state or country fees. When you need emergency care your medical expenses shouldn’t be what you are worrying about and if you don’t have insurance you are going to have a lot of them. Check into a competitive rate so that you can get a good deal on travel insurance, and you will feel a lot safer while you are traveling.